Blind Author Shows Disabled As Real People

by Victoria Ivie San Gebriel Valley Tribune    Growing up blind, Fullerton-based author Melissa Whitney voraciously consumed representation of the blind community in media, hoping to connect with inclusive characters that reflect her and her disability.    “I always wanted a book where I could see myself as a main character,” Whitney said. “I can …

“My Sharona” Exploded, The Knack Fizzled

by Kevin Burton    This song was headed for the top. No two ways about it.    It was d-d-destiny, to borrow a stuttered word from the lyrics.    The first time The Knack played “My Sharona” at MCA Whitney Recording Studios, producer Mike Chapman told the band it was going to be a number …

Valentines Dirty Dancing With The Burtons

by Kevin Burton    This will teach me, always have a plan, a good plan.    For my wife’s birthday, which also happens to be Valentine’s Day (Are those wedding bells in my head or a cash register?), I wanted to do something special. I want to do two somethings special, every year.     My …

Tears Of Joy In This Valentine’s Day Music

by Kevin Burton    I have made the case for “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney as the greatest love song ever written.    But it’s Valentine’s week and nobody’s going to buy that claim just now. Feb. 14 calls for something with a different feel.    So I phoned a friend, so to speak. …

Valentine Celebrations Around The World

by Dictionary Scoop    Love stories have enchanted human existence since ancient times. Whether it’s the beauty of flowers, the sweetness of chocolates, or the soft glow of candlelight, love has the power to transform even the coldest hearts.    While the language of love is universal, the ways we celebrate it are as diverse as the cultures that …

Tell Her She’s Beautiful In All New Ways

 by Kevin Burton   OK guys, Valentine’s Day is coming.  This gift from me to you, for use in your valentine’s messages, comes with a warning label.    This is a list of words that mean “beautiful,” supplied by our friends at Merriam-Webster. Some of these words don’t sound very complimentary though.  Wade through them …

Five Ways To Make Your Relationship Last

by Julie Nguyen Verywell Mind    Being in a healthy relationship can be one of the greatest experiences in the world, but staying together requires hard work. The good news is that this sort of effort doesn’t have to be so difficult. In fact, strengthening the connection can feel easy with the right tools.      Whether you’re …

Blind Marathon Runner Marries Her Guide

by Rebekah Absalom The Daily Mail     A blind marathon runner has tied the knot with her guide after falling in love over the seven years he accompanied her on Parkrun.     Kelly Barton, from Southport, Merseyside, met Mike Leatherbarrow in 2016 when he navigated her through a Saturday morning 5K race.  The pair remained committed …

Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift, Jumping The Shark

by Kevin Burton    America, do we hate the Chiefs yet?     On second thought, let me extend the question to the rest of the world, since the NFL plays games in London, Mexico City and Frankfurt, Germany. World, have we had enough?    It seems as usual I am behind the times, late to …

The History And Science Behind High Heels

by Kevin Burton    Gather round kids, because it’s National High Heels day and boy do I have news for you.    According to multiple websites, high heels were invented for men.    It seems the heels helped warriors on horseback, providing leverage for them to stay in the saddle and stand up to fire …